Where?
Hilton Toronto
145 Richmond Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2L2
Accommodations
From $349 CAD/night*
*Booking deadline October 8, 2026
Ignite Canada | November 9–10, 2026 | Toronto
Keep Learning Human.
Technology should give time back to the people who make learning happen. At Ignite Canada, see how D2L Lumi and the Brightspace ecosystem take on the heavy lifting, from course design to analytics to accessibility, so you can spend more time on what matters most: the human connections that make learning work. Join Canada’s learning community for two days of hands-on sessions, connection and practical inspiration.
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT
View Agenda
About Ignite Canada
Ignite Canada brings D2L learning leaders from across the country together around one idea: the best technology makes learning more human.
Over two days in Toronto, you’ll get hands-on with D2L Lumi, Creator+, Analytics Builder and more, and see how they cut the time spent on design, content and reporting. You’ll also hear how Canadian institutions and organizations are putting that time back into teaching, mentoring and supporting learners, and what’s coming next on the D2L roadmap.
Exchange ideas with peers, learn from D2L experts and customers, and leave with practical steps for learning that helps people learn, innovate, grow and thrive together.
Registration Rate
$175 CAD
Why Attend
- Connect: Meet peers from across Canada and build relationships with people working through the same challenges.
- Solve: Get hands-on with Lumi and other D2L tools in labs and workshops built around real problems.
- Act: Leave with concrete steps to save time, and a clear idea of how to invest it in people.
Agenda
*Agenda subject to change. Additional details will be shared as sessions are confirmed.
November 9
Day 1: Connect + Solve
Share ideas, solve challenges and learn alongside peers from across Canada.
Get hands-on with practical sessions and connect with the people who can help move your work forward.
November 10
Day 2: Inspire + Act
Get inspired by bold ideas, customer stories and what’s next in learning.
Leave with fresh perspective and practical steps to turn ideas into action.
10:00 am – 10:30 am
Conference Level Pre-Function Area
Registration and Networking
+ Morning Refreshments
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Toronto Ballroom
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Allison Sinclair
Senior Customer Advocacy Manager, D2L
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Ignite Labs & Partner Symposium
Discover new ideas and approaches through hands-on explorations with D2L experts and partners. Ask questions, explore real-world use cases and leave inspired to apply something new in your work.
Exploring AI-Powered Learning Experiences
Explore practical ways AI can support course design, learner engagement, assessment, and practice through guided examples.
Make Your Mark: Strengthening Your Brand Through Brightspace Configuration
Learn how your organization’s brand can be expressed through both visible design choices and the consistent, intuitive experiences you create for learners and instructors. Discover how intentional configuration and thoughtful use of platform capabilities can make your Brightspace environment feel more cohesive, engaging, and distinctly yours.
Create, Engage, Inspire: Designing Better Learning Experiences
Explore practical ways to create more interactive learning experiences that encourage participation and support deeper understanding. See how Creator+ and H5P can organize content, add engaging media and reduce cognitive load.
From Data to Action: Using Analytics Builder to Reduce Learner Friction
Turn learning data into informed action by working through a realistic scenario to identify why learners may be struggling, interpret evidence and determine practical support strategies using D2L Analytics Builder.
Make Every Learning Moment Matter
Use learner journey mapping to explore how organizations can move beyond course-centric design and create more meaningful, connected learning experiences.
Partner Symposium Exhibits
Connect with Partners and D2L experts exhibiting in the Conference Level Pre-Function area. Explore innovative solutions, discover what’s new, chat with subject matter experts, and make valuable connections.
Location: Conference Level Pre-Function Area
12:30 pm – 1:40 pm
Toronto Ballroom
Lunch and Networking
1:40 pm – 2:25 pm
Peer Exchange Discussion Breakouts
Join facilitated, small-group conversations built around shared topics and guiding questions. Compare experiences with peers, exchange practical ideas and leave with approaches you can take back to your organization.
1:40 pm – 2:25 pm
Breakout — Creating Conditions for Student Success
Michelle Piper
Customer Success, D2L
Meghan Harper
Customer Success, D2L
1:40 pm – 2:25 pm
Breakout — Supporting Teaching in Practice
Jesse Munro
Customer Success, D2L
Samantha Wooldridge
Customer Success, D2L
1:40 pm – 2:25 pm
Breakout — Listen & Learn: An Exploration of K-12 Learning in Canada
Melissa Heaman
Customer Success, D2L
Alicia Arnds
Customer Success, D2L
1:40 pm – 2:25 pm
Breakout — Using Learning to Support Strategic Growth
Julie Lewis
Customer Success, D2L
Katie Bruner
Customer Success, D2L
2:25 pm – 2:35 pm
Break
2:35 pm – 3:20 pm
D2L Expert Breakouts
Choose from focused sessions featuring timely topics, practical insights and ideas to support your work.
2:35 pm – 3:20 pm
Breakout — Beyond Content: Designing Connected Member Learning Experiences
Explore how associations can use AI and modern authoring to connect learning to practice, community, credentials and career progression — creating more valuable member experiences.
Mortilaine Riley
Learning Experience Architect, D2L
2:35 pm – 3:20 pm
Breakout — From Skeptic to Success: Managing the Move from Classic Content
Hear from other customers how the transition from Classic Content went. Learn which adoption strategies, change tactics and success measures helped them succeed.
Susan McInnes
Senior Product Manager, D2L
2:35 pm – 3:20 pm
Breakout — Advancing Accessibility in Learning
Explore practical ways to advance accessibility, remove barriers and create learning experiences that support diverse learners and educators at scale.
Erin White
Product Manager, D2L
Carrie Vail
Senior Director, Product Management, D2L
2:35 pm – 3:20 pm
Breakout — Meaningful AI: Intent, Evidence and Empowerment
Learn how AI can help educators act on their instructional intent more efficiently, support learners when they encounter friction, and strengthen persistence. Grounded in research, insights and practical examples, this session connects educator workflows to student success and looks ahead to the future of learner empowerment.
Elizabeth Pearsal, Ph.D.
Assistant Provost — Teaching & Learning, American College of Financial Services
Jack Pinette
VP, Product Strategy, D2L
3:20 pm – 3:35 pm
Conference Level Pre-Function Area
Afternoon Snack Break
3:35 pm – 4:20 pm
Toronto Ballroom
Guest Keynote | What We Keep: Human Connection in the Age of AI
As technology takes on more of our busywork, we’re getting something rare back: time. What we keep, and what we do with it, will shape our classrooms, our workplaces and our communities. Riaz Meghji, bestselling author and human connection expert, shows how candid, curious conversation builds trust, belonging and cultures where people thrive. Drawing on his journey from broadcaster to connection advocate, and on the five habits of human connection, Riaz will inspire you to use the time technology gives back to learn, innovate and grow together, because the future of learning isn’t just intelligent. We keep it human.
Riaz Meghji
Human Connection Expert, Author of Every Conversation Counts
Riaz Meghji is a human connection expert and bestselling author of Every Conversation Counts: The 5 Habits of Human Connection That Build Extraordinary Relationships. After a single conversation led him to a dramatically different career path, he made it his mission to show how authentic connection can change lives and organizations. A natural storyteller and accomplished broadcaster with 17 years of television experience, including Citytv’s Breakfast Television, MTV Canada, CTV News and TEDxVancouver, he’s been featured in Fast Company, Harvard Business Review and Financial Post.
4:20 pm – 4:45 pm
Toronto Ballroom
Closing Remarks
4:45 pm – 6:15 pm
Conference Level Pre-Function Area
Ignite Canada Reception
Drinks and appetizers will be served
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Toronto Ballroom
Breakfast and Networking
9:00 am – 9:15 am
Toronto Ballroom
Day 2 Opening Remarks
Allison Sinclair
Senior Customer Advocacy Manager, D2L
9:15 am – 10:00 am
Toronto Ballroom
Fireside Chat — D2L Vision: Built for What's Next
Join John Baker, President & CEO of D2L, and Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, President & CEO of Humber Polytechnic, for an engaging conversation about the future of learning and the power of partnership. Together, they’ll explore how AI, workforce transformation, and lifelong learning are creating new opportunities for learners, educators and organizations alike.
John Baker
Founder, President & CEO, D2L
Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan
President & CEO, Humber Polytechnic
10:00 am – 10:45 am
Toronto Ballroom
Show Me What’s Next: D2L Solutions Spotlight
Join our Solutions Spotlight to get a first look at the latest innovations, strategic investments, and future vision shaping the D2L experience. This keynote-style session will explore the trends transforming learning and showcase the newest capabilities designed to help organizations create more engaging, personalized, and impactful learning experiences.
Christian Pantel
Chief Product Officer, D2L
Imran Ahmed
SVP, Customer and Product Marketing, D2L
10:45 am – 11:00 am
Conference Level Pre-Function Area
Morning Snack Break
11:00 am – 11:50 am
Breakout Sessions: Product Deep Dives
See how D2L solutions come to life in real-world learning environments. These segment-focused sessions will explore practical use cases, emerging approaches and lessons learned to help organizations address their priorities and create better outcomes for learners, instructors and teams.
11:00 am – 11:50 am
Breakout — The Future of Corporate Learning: A Leadership Discussion
D2L leaders discuss the trends shaping corporate learning, from AI and content creation to scaling learning and demonstrating impact.
Bill Sheehan
Global Head, Association Strategy, D2L
Lindsay Derraugh
Corporate Product Strategy Director, D2L
Alka Saxena-Lewis
Director of Product Marketing, D2L
11:00 am – 11:50 am
Breakout — Higher Education, Reimagined: Strategies and Innovations for Student Success
Take a closer look at the evolving higher education landscape and the strategies institutions are using to drive student success, improve flexibility, and reduce complexity. This session will explore emerging trends and dive deeper into the D2L innovations built to support the future of teaching and learning in higher education.
Danielle Burt
Manager, Solutions Engineering, D2L
Jack Pinette
VP, Product Strategy, D2L
11:00 am – 11:50 am
Breakout — Advancing K–12 Learning Through Innovation
Explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of K-12 education. This session takes a deeper look at the innovations, workflows, and capabilities designed to support districts, educators, and learners while helping create more connected, engaging, and accessible learning experiences.
Whitney Williams
Account Executive, K-12, D2L
Renata Martone
Solutions Engineer, D2L
11:50 am – 12:20 pm
Breakout Sessions: What’s Working – Customer Stories
Hear practical stories from D2L customers about how they’re using Brightspace to solve challenges, drive innovation and create meaningful outcomes.
11:50 am – 12:20 pm
Breakout — From Learning Programs to Measurable Impact: Using AI to Drive Organizational Outcomes
Hear how Supply Chain Canada, Canada School of Public Service and NeonTrain are driving business outcomes by creating engaging learning experiences. We will explore how these organizations are doing more with less, leveraging AI and scaling their administration to achieve the goals of their learning programs.
Lindsay Derraugh
Corporate Product Strategy Director, D2L
Jennifer Page
Project Leader Learning Experience Design, CSPS
Rob Belliveau
President, NeonTrain
Matt Earle
Director Education & Accreditation, Supply Chain Canada
11:50 am – 12:20 pm
Breakout — Desire to Indigenize: Journey to Sundance
Learn about Mount Royal University’s award-winning work in their Indigenization of Brightspace. Witness the inception of their next idea to transform a digital learning environment into sacred space.
Joe Eagle Tail Feathers (Iitsooahp’potah)
Blackfoot (Kainai) Elder
Dr. Christopher Grignard
Assistant Professor, Mount Royal University
11:50 am – 12:20 pm
Breakout — Escape the Ordinary: Boosting Learner Engagement with Gamification in Brightspace
Discover how escape-room-style activities in Brightspace can boost learner engagement, encourage active learning, and foster a greater sense of achievement. Join the session to learn practical gamification strategies for creating more interactive learning experiences.
Lynn Thomas
Teacher Consultant of eLearning, Grand Erie District School Board
11:50 am – 12:20 pm
Breakout — More Than a Grade Export: Turning a Practical Solution into Sustainable Innovation
Explore how the University of Calgary transformed a grade-export prototype into a sustainable tool that improves instructors’ workflows, supports diverse course types, and strengthens visibility across teaching assignments. See how this collaborative approach expanded the university’s capacity to solve community needs, support future growth, and turn innovative ideas into long-term solutions.
Tyson Kendon
Digital Learning Platform Team Lead, University of Calgary
12:20 pm – 1:20 pm
Toronto Ballroom
Lunch and Networking
1:20 pm – 2:20 pm
Conference Level Pre-Function Area
Partner Symposium
Explore insights, ideas, and solutions from D2L partners and the D2L team.
2:20 pm – 3:05 pm
Toronto Ballroom
Panel Discussion
AI, trust and the future of learning.
3:05 pm – 3:30 pm
Toronto Ballroom